ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Chief Minister of Punjab Shri Amarinder Singh meets Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan
The Chief Minister of Punjab Shri Amarinder Singh today met with the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan in New Delhi. The Chief Minister demanded expediting pending payments on four specificissues namely ID Cess and Purchase Tax on Wheat  stocks in hand as on 30th June 2017; Subsidy under National Food Security Act for 2nd and 3rd quarter 2018; Custody and Maintenance charge for Paddy and Custody and Maintenance charges for wheat stored in Cover and Plinth.
The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan provided a point by point reply to the Punjab Chief Minister while assuring him of all possible help in this regard. Regarding the specific demand for ID Cess and Purchase Tax on Wheat  stocks in hand as on 30th June 2017, Rs. 708.26 crore is the admissible amount for Punjab out of which 50% of the amount has already been paid while payment of balance 50% amount for Purchase Tax & ID Cess has been processed and is under examination.
Regarding the demand for Subsidy under National Food Security Act for 2nd and 3rd quarter 2018, Shri Paswan said that due to issues with the submitted advance subsidy claim provided by the State to the Ministry, the claims could not be processed and the State had been advised to submit the bills in proper format. State has submitted rectified claims on 4.10.2018 which will be examined. Further, for disbursement of subsidy in future, State has been advised to implement PFMS fully as per directive of Ministry of Finance and ensure use of EAT Module by IAs.It was also stated that for the Financial Year 2017-18, 796.33 crores have been released.
Regarding the Custody & Maintenance Charges for Paddy, FCS up to KMS 2013-14 years have been issued by the Department. For future cases, State Government may present their claims during the time of finalization. FCI has also released Rs. 300 crore based on data/information submitted by State Government/Agencies as per FCS. The clarification sought by FCI is being examined.
The Punjab Chief Minister also requested for reimbursement of Custody and Maintenance Charges on the storage of wheat in open plinths in Punjab from the year 2007-08 onwards. Shri Paswan stated that this matter was examined in the Department and since State Govt. of Punjab could not produce any relevant documents/ supporting documents at the time of finalization of Cost Sheet, the Department of Food based on available documents finalized the Cost Sheet. Also, a view has been taken that all the closed issues prior to 2014-15 need not be reopened and there should not be any retrospective review of the decisions already taken.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issues advisory regarding Coronavirus
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued advisory to all private satellite news TV channels and all private FM radio channelsregarding the advisory issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfareon Coronavirus. The advisory seeks assistance and contribution of private TV channels and FM radio channels to reach out to people across the country. All such channels and their associations are requested to give adequate publicity to the Revised Travel Advisory issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The detailed advisory is available on the website of Ministry of I&B at the following URL
https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/Advisory%20on%20COVID19.pdf
Ministry of Education
Steps taken by Government to ensure quality education for children of weaker section and disadvantaged group in the country
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education  Act, 2009, entitles every child of age 6 to 14 years to a right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school till completion of elementary education. Section 8 of the RTE Act, 2009 provides that the appropriate government would ensure that the child belonging to weaker section and the child belonging to disadvantaged group are not discriminated against and prevented from pursuing and completing elementary education on any grounds. Further, Section 12   of RTE Act, 2009 provides that all specified category schools and unaided schools shall admit at least 25% children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged group in the neighbourhood in class I and provide free and compulsory elementary education till its completion.
Samagra Shiksha, an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class XII, aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education. It envisages the ‘school’ as a continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary to senior secondary levels. Bridging gender and social category gaps at all levels of school education is one of the major objectives of the scheme. The scheme reaches out to girls, Children with Special Needs  and children belonging to Scheduled Caste , Scheduled Tribe , minority communities and transgender. The focus of major interventions under the Scheme includes provision of RTE
Entitlements such as free uniforms, text books, special training of Out of School children etc., provision for Inclusive Education of Children with Special Needs  and Vocational Education among others. The scheme also gives attention to urban deprived children, children affected by periodic migration, including children of farmers and labourers and children living in remote and scattered habitations. Under the scheme, provision has been made for giving preference to Special Focus Districts , Educationally Backward Blocks , LWE affected districts, and aspirational districts while planning interventions like setting up/ upgradation of schools upto senior secondary level, strengthening of existing infrastructure, upgradation and running of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas , residential schools and hostels, etc.
The Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme provides for opening of one JNV in each district of the country to bring out the best of rural talent. Its significance lies in the selection of talented rural children as the target group and the aim to provide them quality education comparable to the best in a residential school system.
The information was given by the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Decision to reduce Tax Rate on Fertilizers from existing 12% to 5 % under GST taken in the interests of the Farmers
Under GST regime, a uniform MRP of Rs. 295.47 per 50 kg bag to be fixed across the country
GST regime to deter inter-state smuggling of fertilizers by integrating the entire fertilizer market into a Single Market
Farmers to benefit to the tune of Rs. 1261 crores under GST regime: Shri Ananthkumar
Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar briefed the media on the outcome of the 18th meeting of the GST Council, held here on 30th June 2017, regarding Fertilizer sector. The Minister said that it was decided to reduce the GST rate of fertilizers from the existing 12% to 5%. This decision was primarily taken in the interests of the farmers. The Government has also taken up with the Industry to pass on the benefit to the Farmers, the Minister informed.
Shri Ananthkumar said that farmers would benefit to the tune of Rs. 1261 crores under GST regime. Under the new GST rates announced by the Council, average weighted MRP will decrease to Rs. 5909/ Ton  as compared to the existing All India weighted Average of Rs 5923/ Ton .
Consequent to the ushering in of the GST regime, Shri Ananthkumar informed, there will be a uniform MRP of Rs.295.47 per 50 kg bag across the country except couple of States where additional VAT is charged on the natural gas as Natural gas has not been brought within the ambit of GST. However, even in these States, MRP will reduce by Rs 3 per 50 kg bag. Similarly, MRP of P&K Fertilisers, for which the prices are not administered, are also expected to come down on an average basis as the incidence of tax will be lower than the existing tax on an average, the Minister added.
The GST regime, apart from integrating the entire fertilizer market into a single market, will also deter inter-state smuggling of fertilizers which may be currently happening due to differing levels of taxes and consequently MRPs in different adjoining States. The GST would realize the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi's vision of 'One Nation, One Market, One Tax', Shri Ananthkumar said.
Ministry of Defence
Maritime Air OPS: Ex Gagan Shakti-2018
During both phases of Ex Gagan Shakti, the IAF is effectively exercising its Maritime war fighting concepts on both the Western and Eastern seaboards. Air Dominance, over the entire extended area of the Indian Ocean Region  in support of the Indian Navy  is being demonstrated by employment of combat enablers like the FRA  in conjunction with our maritime fighter forces of the Su-30 and Jaguar class carrying potent long distance anti shipping weaponry.
Missions have been flown in the initial phase to address both near and in depth targets over the Western Sea Board utilising Su-30 and Jaguar fighter aircraft equipped with the potent Brahmos and Harpoon Anti ship missiles respectively. The Su-30 ac has also showcased its strategic reach by operating from the eastern most air bases on the peninsula and engaging maritime targets well out into the western seaboard with support of AAR. After quick repositioning of Maritime Assets the focus has now shifted in Phase–II to addressing targets over the Eastern Sea Board right upto the Mallaca Straits. The full compliment of Maritime Assets would now operate from bases in the Southern peninsula and Andaman & Nicobar islands. Extensive missions would be flown by the Su-30 and Jaguar in conjunction with the IN P-8i MR ac using long range weapons to refine and practice offensive and defensive tactics against maritime targets.
Such demonstrations of extended reach utilizing potent standoff weapons in Joint coordinated Operations with the IN has adequately show cased the IAF ability to support the IN in order to dominate the IOR and effectively address any misadventure by an adversary in our area of interest.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update - Day 342
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 140.24 crore
More than 51 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 140.24 Crore  today. More than 51 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10386702
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9668783
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18384599
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16812461
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
491081463
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
307806709
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
192558609
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
143893767
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
120282172
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
91572657
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
832693545
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
569754377
|
|
Total
|
|
1402447922
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 23rd December, 2021 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
55
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4750
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
96
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
8714
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
821249
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
2860269
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
184895
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
770207
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
110233
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
413465
|
|
1st Dose Administered in Total
|
|
1116528
|
|
2nd Dose Administered in Total
|
|
4057405
|
|
Total
|
|
5173933
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Defence
Veterans Day Celebrations : 14 JANUARY 2021
Pune, 14 January 2021
Army commemorates Armed Forces Veterans Day on 14 January each year as a mark of respect and recognition of the services rendered by our veterans. This day also coincides with the retirement date of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, the first Commander-in-Chief  of the Indian Army. Field Marshal Cariappa had seen action in Iraq, Syria, Iran and Burma winning many laurels and accolades during his sterling career. Field Marshal Cariappa was the Chief of Army Staff from 15 January 1949 to 14 January 1953. For his illustrious career and contributions to the Nation, he was accorded the rank of Field Marshal in 1986. Despite his advancing age, he made many visits to the front line troops to boost their morale and motivate them. He was active till his last breath on 15 May 1993, at the age of 94 years.
The first Armed Forces Veterans Day was organised on 14 January 2017. The aim is to strengthen the bond between the Ex-Servicemen and the serving personnel. This is also a forum to enhance the satisfaction levels pertaining to issues of pension and welfare of veterans and their Next of Kin.
On the occasion of Veterans Day Lieutenant General CP Mohanty, GOC-in-C, Southern Command and Lieutenant General BT Pandit, Vir Chakra  laid wreath at the National War Memorial and paid tributes to the brave hearts who laid down their lives in service to the Nation.
The Army Commander said that Veterans are our pride and a continuous source of inspiration for all serving soldiers. He emphasised that the Army is committed towards their welfare and there is a constant endeavour to reach out and address concerns on priority. The Army Commander while remembering the contribution of veterans in various wars for the nation said that it is the valour, grit, determination and bravery of these brave-hearts which continues to motivate the present and future generations of the Armed Forces.
He said that commemoration of the Armed Forces Veterans Day acknowledges and honours the selfless devotion, dedication and sacrifice of our veterans in their service of the Nation.PIB-Pune, M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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Ministry of Science & Technology
New manufacturing process for steel alloy powder for developing efficient cooling channels can make pressure die casting more efficient
Researchers have developed a manufacturing process for steel alloy powder that can act as a tool for developing efficient cooling channels for pressure die casting. This can help improve the tool service life, quality of cast parts and reduce number of rejections during the casting process.
Pressure die casting is used to manufacture devices ranging from medical devices to industrial equipment. Manufacturing of die tools with efficient cooling channels by conventional processes for Pressure Die Casting  have been challenging. In conventional manufacturing, the die tools are designed with compromised straight-line cooling channels.
A team of researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials  has developed an additive manufacturing process for a steel alloy powder called AISI H13 which can act as a tool material for efficient cooling channels or conformal cooling channels  for pressure die casting . Such CC systems show great promise to substitute conventional cooling systems as the former can provide more uniform and efficient cooling effects and thus improve the production quality and efficiency significantly. The additive manufacturing process offers the freedom to give any desired shape to the cooling channels so that they can carry out the cooling efficiently. The research has been published in the Transactions of the Indian National Academy of Engineering
The additive manufacturing process in which ARCI, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology , has acquired considerable expertise, opens a new world of design innovation that previously was impossible to achieve by the conventional manufacturing process. ARCI has emerged as a nationally important center for metal additive manufacturing  by establishing powder bed fusion-based selective laser melting  and electron beam melting  additive manufacturing facilities. The researchers have used their expertise in the AM-SLM method in this manufacturing process.
Figure 1:  Design Model of Core pin with conformal channels,  Photograph showing AM built AISI H13 core pin and  X-Ray radiography of as built core pin
Publication
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41403-021-00233-y
For more details contact: Dr. Gururaj Telasang
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Shri Bhagwant Khuba delivers keynote address at Intersolar Europe 2022 on “India’s Solar Energy Market”
India committed to increase domestic Manufacturing of high efficiency Solar PV modules: Shri Khuba
India offers a great opportunity for investments in RE sector; $196.98 bn worth of projects underway in India
Union Minister of State for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Bhagwant Khuba attended the Intersolar Europe 2022 held at Munich, Germany. The Minister delivered key note address at the investment promotion event on “India’s Solar Energy Market”.
Shri Bhagwant Khuba in his key note address said that ‘As Hon’ble PM Modiji’s ambitious Panchamrit targets set during COP-26 India is all set to achieve net zero by 2070 and install 500GW of non fossil by 2030.’ Shri Khuba said that India’s vast renewable energy resource potential and strong policy backing provide a strong foundation for achieving these goals.
He pointed out that India has seen incredible growth of RE capacity in last 7 years and has achieved target of 40% cumulative electric capacity from non fossil fuel in 2021, 9 full years ahead of set target of 2030. Government of India is committed to promoting domestic manufacturing in the solar PV sector to achieve its ambitious deployment goals. Several policy measures have been undertaken to support the domestic PV manufacturing sector.
The Minister also emphasized that India is committed to increase domestic Manufacturing of high efficiency Solar PV modules for which total budget outlay of Rs. 24,000 Cr is made. Further to promote green hydrogen economy India has estimated outlay of Rs. 25,425 Cr. The Green Hydrogen Mission has expected outcome of generating 4.1 Million Tonnes of annual Green Hydrogen production.
‘Further India offers a great opportunity for investments. Currently around $196.98 bn worth of projects are underway in India. I once again invite all the developed countries and major RE players to utilise the opportunity India is offering to the world’, says Minister.
Prime Minister's Office
PM attends inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2022
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today attended the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2022 where President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula Von Der Leyen delivered the keynote address.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"Attended the inaugural session of #Raisina2022 earlier this evening. @raisinadialogue"
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Agriculture Export Policy, 2018
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Agriculture Export Policy, 2018. The Cabinet has also approved the proposal for establishment of Monitoring Framework at Centre with Commerce as the nodal Department with representation from various line Ministries/Departments and Agencies and representatives of concerned State Governments, to oversee the implementation of Agriculture Export Policy.
The Government has come out with a policy to double farmers’ income by 2022. Exports of agricultural products would play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. In order to provide an impetus to agricultural exports, the Government has come out with a comprehensive “Agriculture Export Policy” aimed at doubling the agricultural exports and integrating Indian farmers and agricultural products with the global value chains. The Agriculture Export Policy has the following vision:
“Harness export potential of Indian agriculture, through suitable policy instruments, to make India global power in agriculture and raise farmers’ income.”
Objectives:
Objectives of the Agriculture Export Policy are as under:
- To double agricultural exports from present ~US$ 30+ Billion to ~US$ 60+ Billion by 2022 and reach US$ 100 Billion in the next few years thereafter, with a stable trade policy regime.
- To diversify our export basket, destinations and boost high value and value added agricultural exports including focus on perishables.
- To promote novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional and non-traditional Agri products exports.
- To provide an institutional mechanism for pursuing market access, tackling barriers and deal with sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues.
- To strive to double India’s share in world agri exports by integrating with global value chain at the earliest.
- Enable farmers to get benefit of export opportunities in overseas market.
Elements of Agriculture Export Policy:
The recommendations in the Agriculture Export Policy have been organised in two categories – Strategic and Operational – as detailed below:
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Strategic
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Policy measures
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|
Infrastructure and logistics support
|
|
Holistic approach to boost exports
|
|
Greater involvement of State Governments in agri exports
|
|
|
|
Focus on Clusters
|
|
|
|
Promoting value-added exports
|
|
|
|
Marketing and promotion of “Brand India
|
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Operational
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Attract private investments into production and processing
|
|
|
|
Establishment of strong quality regimen
|
|
|
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Research & Development
|
|
|
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Miscellaneous
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people of Telangana, on the Statehood Day; Extends wishes to people of Andhra Pradesh
PM greets people of Telangana, on the Statehood Day; Extends wishes to people of Andhra Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the people of Telangana, on the Statehood Day. The Prime Minister also extended his wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh.
"Statehood Day wishes to the people of Telangana. I pray for the progress and prosperity of the state in the times to come.
My good wishes to the dynamic people of Andhra Pradesh. May AP touch new heights of development and continue to contribute to India's growth", the Prime Minister said.
President's Secretariat
PRESS COMMUNIQUE
The President of India has been pleased to appoint Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Tamil Nadu to discharge the functions of the Governor of Punjab, in addition to his own duties from the date he assumes charge of the office of the Governor of Punjab, until regular arrangements are made.
2. The President of India has also been pleased to appoint Shri Banwarilal Purohit to be the Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh, in addition to his duties as Governor of Punjab.